Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Elizabeth Lane

Abstract

Preventive health care screening plays an essential role in reducing chronic diseases and mortality rates; yet, even as health care access has increased, African American men’s utilization of preventive screenings remains low in rural areas. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate why African American men are not utilizing preventive care services and ascertaining the impact that social determinants may have on their utilization of these services. The theoretical framework of this research study comprised the social-ecological modal and health belief model to investigate the barriers to preventive care utilization in the African American community. Twelve African American religious men in a rural county in South Carolina participated in semi structured interviews over the telephone and cloud-based video conferencing using a qualitative research approach. Data were analyzed using NVivo and manual coding, resulting in the following emergent themes and subthemes related to each research question and the social determinants of health: lack of trust in the health care system, systemic racism, cultural and religious impact, and lack of health care insurance and access to care. The research findings also showed the importance of collaborative partnerships with local barbershops, churches, and governmental agencies to increase preventive health care screenings in rural areas. This research study has implications for positive social change including identifying the role the social determinants of health have on the preventative care utilization of African American men, which could be used to reduce the mortality rates of this population and help them develop healthier lifestyles.

Download

Share

 
COinS